Two little boys... two little birds

My neighbour has twin grandsons about 6 years old. As we happened to be walking back from the shops together she asked them if they wanted to show me the surprise at her front door. They certainly did! They had a hard time "not telling" before we got there. At first I could see no sign of anything out of the ordinary. But then with a "Shhh" and a careful tiptoe to a large plant growing near the door they pulled back the leaves and...

I said: "They look like twins - just like you!" So William decided they should be called 'William' and 'Thomas'! Unfortunately the position of the nest makes them very vulnerable to other birds or cats so I hope the boys don't have to discover 'William' or 'Thomas' disappeared or deceased.

Life emerges

Even on a grey, rainy day -

even on what looks a like a dry stick -

vibrant green leaves remind me

that life and beauty

still emerge.

I, too, Sing America

I sometimes look at the "Good News" tab of the Gratefulness website. There are often wonderful stories of things we never hear about on the regular news (more's the pity!). This piece from the New York Times gives a powerful - and poignant - introduction to the recently built museum of African-American History and Culture. 

Given the continued racial discrimination in USA and the reminder that Black Lives Matter, this museum is an excellent landmark. It opens tomorrow 24th September 2016. The link above from NY Times gives a great overview with excellent pictures; click here for the link to the website of the museum itself where you can explore the full collection.

No God but One...

I've just finished listening (on Audible) to a fascinating book:

It is a very thoroughly researched comparison between Islam and Christianity. The author was brought up as a devout Muslim and converted to Christianity after many debates with a university friend and then several years of dedicated research. I had only the most superficial knowledge of Islam. What I learned from this book is eye-opening. I also gained a deeper understanding of Christianity, especially as seen through the eyes of someone who initially set out to "disprove" it

In awe of the ordinary

The next time you crack an egg 

or slice open a lemon

pause 

to be in awe of the design, 

the construction, 

the biodegradable packaging,

the vitamins, minerals, protein

and life-giving potential

all there in your hand.

The wonders of communication

I'm writing this post on the evening of my 71st birthday! As always at the end of the day I reflect on what I am most grateful for in the day. What strikes me most today is the amazing array of ways we now have to communicate with each other. I have received greetings by posted cards, e-cards, emails, texts, iMessage, Whats App, cell phone, landline...

I am enormously grateful for having so many people sharing my life in a variety of ways - and the personal connections over lunch, dinner or coffee continue! 

I end the day feeling very blessed!

The deep innerness of all things

I continue to relish slowly pondering Rilke's Book of Hours: Love Poems to God. The last few days I've been returning to several that I am still savouring.

For example, here are the last four lines of one poem:

You are the deep innerness of all things,

the last word that can never be spoken.

To each of us you reveal yourself differently:

to the ship as coastline, to the shore as ship. 

I love the phrase "the deep innerness of all things". Yes! I feel that too. 

Such freedom lies in knowing that "to each of us you reveal yourself differently". There are infinite expressions of the divine "innerness of all things". 

Sometimes the "divine innerness" is just becoming visible...

Sometimes it is in full bloom...

Morning walk

First attention grabbing spot:

Outside the fence and the gate 

there is simple generosity.

Where can I reach beyond my self-imposed boundaries 

to be generous today?

Then an "ah yes" stop for breathing in beauty:

This Camelia opens its lovely face to whoever cares to notice.

I stop to notice and am blessed.

What will anyone notice about me today - whether I realise it or not?

Resilience

The Tor at Waiake beach, Torbay

What is it that enables one piece of land 

to stand firm and strong

when all around it is being washed away?

Could that be found in me?